Paintings: Pre 1900

 Satake Eikai (1803-1874) - 'Catching the fox'

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PRICE : $1050  

ARTIST :
It is the work of Satake Eikai (1803-1874). Born in Aizu he moved to Edo to study under Tani Buncho and also with Sakai Hoitsu of the Rinpa school. He later moved to Hikone where he directly served the Ii family, receiving the rank of Hokyo. His works are held in the Ashmolean, Victoria, MFA Boston and the Clark Center. See Roberts p.20.

AGE :
mid 19th century

SIZE :
The scroll measures 72'' by 13.5'' (184 by 34.5 cm). The image measures 44'' by 12.5'' (112 by 32 cm).

DESCRIPTION :
This painting refers to the popular 'Kyogen' play 'Tsuri kitsune', or 'Catching the fox'. The play tells the story of a trapper who was visited by his uncle, a priest. His uncle explained that foxes were actually animals of fine character and encouraged him not to trap them anymore. Soon after the visit the trapper hears the long cry of a fox caught in a trap and realizes that his visitor was actually a fox in disguise. The fox manages to release itself from the trap and is often depicted in art draped in the robes of a priest and returning to its natural form whilst gazing wistfully at the trap. For reference see - A Brush with Animals, Japanese Paintings 1700-1950, various editors, Hotei Publishing, 2007 p.p.147.

TECHNIQUE :
ink and traces of color on silk

CONDITION :
The painting is in very good condition and presents very well. It is likely that is was remounted once using its original brocade.